Monolith by Monoprice Liquid Spark Headphone Amplifier by Alex Cavalli
Product # 33304
$109.99
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$109.99
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$109.99
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Browse 49 questions
and 93 answers
Can a USB to stereo RCA cable be used for the input of this headphone amp?
A shopper
on Feb 8, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Yes, as long as your cable has a DAC in between. I understand that you have a cable that you connect to your PC on the USB port and has RCA on the other side, that means that the cable does have a mini DAC in between. You simply have to plug on the RCA input ports any cable that has a line Audio signal. Just be sure that your cable does not have an already amplified signal or you won't get the desired performance with this and any other amp. If you by the other side, mean that you want to plug the RCA to your source device and the USB to this amp, then No, as this amp does not have an integrated ADC nor a DAC and it won't make sense, in that case you need a cable with twin RCA to RCA and you would connect it to the Line out of your source device and to the Input signal of this amp.
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- New User U on Feb 8, 2019
- Purchased on Jan 24, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Yes, as long as your cable has a DAC in between. I understand that you have a cable that you connect to your PC on the USB port and has RCA on the other side, that means that the cable does have a mini DAC in between. You simply have to plug on the RCA input ports any cable that has a line Audio signal. Just be sure that your cable does not have an already amplified signal or you won't get the desired performance with this and any other amp. If you by the other side, mean that you want to plug the RCA to your source device and the USB to this amp, then No, as this amp does not have an integrated ADC nor a DAC and it won't make sense, in that case you need a cable with twin RCA to RCA and you would connect it to the Line out of your source device and to the Input signal of this amp.
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- New User U on Feb 8, 2019
- Purchased on Jan 24, 2019
I use my iPad for streaming flac files from my hard drives via Plex, Mp3s via Spotify and YouTube, and HQ files via Amazon Music HD, and Qobuz. I use a, lightning to usb a, camera adapter and a good quality monoprice usb cable to connect to my DAC/Liquid Spark amplifier with very good results. You could save a few dollars and use a lightening to usb c converter and a cheap dongle usb c, dongle DAC. To 3.5mm to rca cable to the Liquid Spark. But, ...well..., penny wise pound foolish is what I learned as a child. Now, I say “buy once cry once! YMMV. Cheers!
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- New User U on Mar 3, 2020
- Purchased on Nov 29, 2019
No. The USB is a digital connection and the RCA is for analog connections. The cable is not converting the digital signal to analog. You need to have a DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) to do the conversion. Once the signal is converted to analog you can connect an RCA cable from the output of the DAC to the RCA input of this headphone amplifier.
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- Stuart L on Feb 9, 2019
- Purchased on Jan 19, 2019
The headphone amp is expecting and analog signal. If your USB to stereo RCA cable is converting the digital audio signl to analog it should work. I am currently using an standalone DAC connected to my computer via USB and connected to my headphone amp via RCA cable.
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- Howard S. A on Feb 8, 2019
- Purchased on Jan 15, 2019
Unless the USB - RCA has a built in DAC, no this won't work. When plugging in the cable Windows would recognize it as a separate audio device and allow you to output audio through it. You can test with the right adapters.
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- Ryan G on Feb 9, 2019
- Purchased on Jan 17, 2019
Anything that terminates in a male stereo rca cable can be hooked into this amp.
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- David A on Feb 8, 2019
- Purchased on Jan 28, 2019
I don’t believe so. The input is a standard quarter inch
Headphone plug.
Headphone plug.
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- Frank B on Feb 8, 2019
- Purchased on Jan 16, 2019
No USB support that I can see. Only analog inputs
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- Walt M on Feb 8, 2019
- Purchased on Dec 27, 2018
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My iTunes library is on my iPad. Can I run the iPad out of its headphone jack into this amp via a 3.5mm-to-RCA cable, then plug my headphones into amp? Pros and cons?
Eric B
on Dec 4, 2018
BEST ANSWER: Pro tip: When connecting to an iPad or notebook's headphone-out jack to the amp,
- set your volume level on the iPad to no more than 80 to 90 % of full volume, and
- only adjust your listening volume using the amp's volume knob.
This preserves a little headroom on the output of the iPad, to avoid clipping and distortion, but gives you most of the dynamic range of your digital source. Good as a general rule to follow when connecting any amp to a portable devices headphone-output.
- set your volume level on the iPad to no more than 80 to 90 % of full volume, and
- only adjust your listening volume using the amp's volume knob.
This preserves a little headroom on the output of the iPad, to avoid clipping and distortion, but gives you most of the dynamic range of your digital source. Good as a general rule to follow when connecting any amp to a portable devices headphone-output.
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- PAUL R T on Apr 25, 2019
- Purchased on Oct 10, 2018
BEST ANSWER: Pro tip: When connecting to an iPad or notebook's headphone-out jack to the amp,
- set your volume level on the iPad to no more than 80 to 90 % of full volume, and
- only adjust your listening volume using the amp's volume knob.
This preserves a little headroom on the output of the iPad, to avoid clipping and distortion, but gives you most of the dynamic range of your digital source. Good as a general rule to follow when connecting any amp to a portable devices headphone-output.
- set your volume level on the iPad to no more than 80 to 90 % of full volume, and
- only adjust your listening volume using the amp's volume knob.
This preserves a little headroom on the output of the iPad, to avoid clipping and distortion, but gives you most of the dynamic range of your digital source. Good as a general rule to follow when connecting any amp to a portable devices headphone-output.
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- PAUL R T on Apr 25, 2019
- Purchased on Oct 10, 2018
Sure. Like any electronics, you just have to match your input and outputs. It sounds like you have both identified so it’ll work just fine. The only other solution is to put an external DAC between the laptop and the amp. Small sound quality improvement if you do.
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- L O on Dec 4, 2018
- Purchased on Oct 4, 2018
Yes, this amp will work with headphone level output from a mobile device. Will need to keep the volume on the source (ipad) reasonable to avoid clipping. Pro is cheaper than running a dedicated dac between source and amp, con is not quite as good result.
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- Ryan G on Dec 5, 2018
- Purchased on Oct 9, 2018
Yes you can use the 3.5mm haedphone jack from your Ipad to the RCA input and i find this solution works very well. Not much pros and cons just that it is more difficult to get such connectors.
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- Darren Q on Dec 5, 2018
- Purchased on Oct 4, 2018
Yes. All you need is a 3.5mm to stereo RCA cable. You're not getting the highest quality sound from your iPad, but it will work just fine.
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- C H on Dec 4, 2018
- Purchased on Oct 4, 2018
Its fine. Get the JDS Atom instead. Mire powerful
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- kevin I on Dec 4, 2018
- Purchased on Oct 4, 2018
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Some reviewers tout a "tube like" sound when reviewing this amp. Do the "pre-outs" benefit from this sound character as well? I will be using this primarily to control my powered studio monitors for now.
Olaff R
on Feb 19, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Calling it “tube-like” is pretty generous. It may be ever so slightly warmer than neutral but it’s not like a tube amp at all except it runs warm.
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- L O on Feb 19, 2019
- Purchased on Oct 4, 2018
BEST ANSWER: Calling it “tube-like” is pretty generous. It may be ever so slightly warmer than neutral but it’s not like a tube amp at all except it runs warm.
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- L O on Feb 19, 2019
- Purchased on Oct 4, 2018
In my experience, yes. I have owned several tube amps - including a really great Onix Melody 3 - and when used as a preamp this does smooth out many of the harsh characteristics of digital audio, whether from my computer (Dell>Modi 3> liquid spark>Tube Depot Cube 7)>Lucid White Omnis) or from my iPads (iPad>Spark>Tube Cube 7 or Virtue Audio Integrated > Lucid Whites). As always, YMMV. I use the Spark 80% preamp and 20% Headphone amp. For headphones, I use either Audio Carbon Nighthawks or HiFiMan 400I
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- Michael P on Feb 19, 2019
- Purchased on Nov 2, 2018
Personally, I wouldn't consider the sound of the Spark "tube like" at all. I don't know where this originated from. While the bass is okay, the mids are recessed and the highs have a little too much "sizzle". Its sound signature is very similar to the ole' "smiley face" EQ setting. If that's your sound preference then you'll love the Spark.
To answer your question, yes the sound from the front jack and preamp outputs will be the same.
To answer your question, yes the sound from the front jack and preamp outputs will be the same.
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- foxfire3 on Feb 19, 2019
- Purchased on Nov 2, 2018
I think it does. I used a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 previously. The Liquid Spark sounds better with my Rokit 5 monitors. Imaging and instrument separation sounds and feels better. I also engage the high impedance switch when using the monitors also.
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- William C on Feb 19, 2019
- Purchased on Oct 7, 2018
William, thanks for the speedy reply. I'm using Presonus Eris 4.5s which do have a volume control but the speaker placement has put it out of convenient reach. I recently purchased a Topping D10 and am using my Schiit Fulla 2 as my volume control for now. I'd like to divorce myself from the Fulla 2 completely eventually so the Liquid Spark is in consideration. Should be good!
The sound signature will carry over to the pre outs. The tube sound is a warm signature, there are no openings amps on the output stage which gives it that warmth.
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- nick b on Feb 19, 2019
- Purchased on Nov 18, 2018
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What is in the box?
A shopper
on Apr 25, 2019
My two cents worth, Monoprice Liquid Spark does not mean that there is LIQUID inside , most probably you only can find "wire, chips & mother board" unfortunately I cannot open it up to confirm,.
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- Elson W on Apr 25, 2019
- Purchased on Oct 17, 2018
The amp. The power brick. The manual. The packing material. That's it...
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- PAUL R T on Apr 25, 2019
- Purchased on Oct 10, 2018
The amp, power supply and user guide
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- Don H on Apr 25, 2019
- Purchased on Dec 6, 2018
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Gain switch: is the quieter mode low gain and the louder high gain?
A shopper
on Dec 20, 2019
BEST ANSWER: This headphone amplifier has +3dB or +6dB gain. You use the +6dB setting for low sensitivity headphones. Low sensitivity headphone don't sound as loud as high sensitivity headphones for the same volume setting. The +6 dB setting adds 3dB of additional gain to increase the sound level. This makes up for rhe quieter sound you get from low sensitivity headphones. I noticed no difference in the residual noise floor coming from the amplifier in either setting. It sounds great!
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- Kensonic on Dec 20, 2019
- Purchased on Feb 28, 2019
BEST ANSWER: This headphone amplifier has +3dB or +6dB gain. You use the +6dB setting for low sensitivity headphones. Low sensitivity headphone don't sound as loud as high sensitivity headphones for the same volume setting. The +6 dB setting adds 3dB of additional gain to increase the sound level. This makes up for rhe quieter sound you get from low sensitivity headphones. I noticed no difference in the residual noise floor coming from the amplifier in either setting. It sounds great!
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- Kensonic on Dec 20, 2019
- Purchased on Feb 28, 2019
If you look at the full specs, you'll see that the quiet mode provides 3 db gain and the louder mode provides 6 db gain.
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- David A on Dec 20, 2019
- Purchased on Jan 28, 2019
Correct, the quieter mode is low gain and vice versa.
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- Daniel H on Dec 20, 2019
- Purchased on Mar 6, 2019
I guess you can describe it like that :) so yes.
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- Milos T on Dec 21, 2019
- Purchased on Feb 13, 2019
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It is the larger 1/4" stereo jack
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- Kensonic on Mar 27, 2019
- Purchased on Feb 28, 2019
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Does the amp has a dac?
A shopper
on Oct 9, 2018
no DAC. RCA in and RCA preamp out
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- Luan L. on Nov 2, 2018
- Purchased on Oct 18, 2018
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where can I see the manual?. The connections are confusing.
A shopper
on Jan 18, 2019
BEST ANSWER: What's confusing about the connections?
On the rear panel, "I" is the inputs jacks and "P" is the volume controlled output jacks for using it as a preamplifier.
On the front panel you have a common ole' 1/4" headphone jack.
On the rear panel, "I" is the inputs jacks and "P" is the volume controlled output jacks for using it as a preamplifier.
On the front panel you have a common ole' 1/4" headphone jack.
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- foxfire3 on Jan 18, 2019
- Purchased on Nov 2, 2018
BEST ANSWER: What's confusing about the connections?
On the rear panel, "I" is the inputs jacks and "P" is the volume controlled output jacks for using it as a preamplifier.
On the front panel you have a common ole' 1/4" headphone jack.
On the rear panel, "I" is the inputs jacks and "P" is the volume controlled output jacks for using it as a preamplifier.
On the front panel you have a common ole' 1/4" headphone jack.
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- foxfire3 on Jan 18, 2019
- Purchased on Nov 2, 2018
"I" is input. Where the cable from your source goes. "O" is output. If you want to connect to some powered monitors use these RCAs
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- nick b on Jan 18, 2019
- Purchased on Nov 18, 2018
What are you finding “confusing?”
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- Kevin H on Jan 18, 2019
- Purchased on Oct 4, 2018
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What is the output impedance of the amplifier?
A shopper
on Apr 5, 2018
BEST ANSWER: Less than 0.1 ohms and most likely less than 0.05 ohms.
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- New User U Staff on Apr 5, 2018
BEST ANSWER: Less than 0.1 ohms and most likely less than 0.05 ohms.
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- New User U Staff on Apr 5, 2018
It's less than 2 Ohms, I believe 0.9. AudioScienceReview has that measure
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- Jose A Jurado V on Jun 2, 2019
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Is this amplifier class A biased?
New User U
on Apr 14, 2018
BEST ANSWER: It is Class A biased for a little while, but as the output increases it becomes more Class AB.
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- New User U Staff on Oct 9, 2018
BEST ANSWER: It is Class A biased for a little while, but as the output increases it becomes more Class AB.
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- New User U Staff on Oct 9, 2018
No, but is a heck of an amp for what it cost and what you get. You are in a moment where you get outstanding results from this price today similar to what you used to get on amps that cost 10 times more 10 to 20 years ago.
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- New User U on Feb 8, 2019
- Purchased on Jan 24, 2019
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does the power brick accept 220v voltage?
A shopper
on Sep 18, 2018
BEST ANSWER: The power brick is universal for global use. But, it has a US plug which can be fitted with an adapter for other countries.
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- New User U Staff on Oct 9, 2018
BEST ANSWER: The power brick is universal for global use. But, it has a US plug which can be fitted with an adapter for other countries.
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- New User U Staff on Oct 9, 2018
Yes, 110-240V. As another person noted, you will need a plug adapter outside the U.S.
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- James H on Feb 18, 2020
- Purchased on Jan 23, 2020
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Could i use this with a record player?
A shopper
on Oct 9, 2018
Only if you have a phone pre-amp stage in between. This is designed to work with line-level signals.
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- David A on Feb 8, 2019
- Purchased on Jan 28, 2019
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can you do better than label the back ports with "I" and "P" ?!
Maria C
on Oct 9, 2018
BEST ANSWER: We preferred a minimalist panel design.
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- New User U Staff on Oct 9, 2018
BEST ANSWER: We preferred a minimalist panel design.
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- New User U Staff on Oct 9, 2018
Better? I for Input, P for Pre-amp (out). Simple, elegant, easy to figure out and reasonably intuitive....'better' I suppose, but really, not an issue or deal-breaker. I mean, really...
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- PAUL R T on Oct 12, 2018
- Purchased on Oct 10, 2018
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Is there any capacitor in the signal path?
Riru L
on Dec 16, 2018
BEST ANSWER: As it says in the description under Effortless sound "It has no capacitors in the signal path".
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- Christopher G on Dec 17, 2018
- Purchased on Dec 5, 2018
BEST ANSWER: As it says in the description under Effortless sound "It has no capacitors in the signal path".
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- Christopher G on Dec 17, 2018
- Purchased on Dec 5, 2018
Without seeing a schematic, it's difficult to say whether there are any coupling caps in series with the output or not.
Most manufacturers will usually coupling caps on the inputs though just in case there is some DC present on the outputs of the source.
Most manufacturers will usually coupling caps on the inputs though just in case there is some DC present on the outputs of the source.
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- foxfire3 on Dec 16, 2018
- Purchased on Nov 2, 2018
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Can someone recommend a USB dac to use with this amp?
ayub s
on Jan 3, 2019
BEST ANSWER: I am currently using it with the Schiit Modi 2. So far I have no complaints about the Spark. I am using it with HE-400's or Isine 10's at my desk.
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- geoffrey s on Jan 4, 2019
- Purchased on Dec 16, 2018
BEST ANSWER: I am currently using it with the Schiit Modi 2. So far I have no complaints about the Spark. I am using it with HE-400's or Isine 10's at my desk.
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- geoffrey s on Jan 4, 2019
- Purchased on Dec 16, 2018
I use the Grace Design SDAC I picked up from Massdrop. It’s simple and has the same small footprint. They stack nicely and sound great. I use this combo with my M1060s and love it.
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- Brian H on Jan 3, 2019
- Purchased on Dec 18, 2018
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How much does the package with the amplifier when sending by mail?
A shopper
on Jan 25, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question.
I'm not entirely sure what you are asking but the box dimensions would be 22.5" x 11.7" x 16.3" (L x W x H) and weighs 32.56 lbs.
I'm not entirely sure what you are asking but the box dimensions would be 22.5" x 11.7" x 16.3" (L x W x H) and weighs 32.56 lbs.
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- Tyler C Staff on May 28, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question.
I'm not entirely sure what you are asking but the box dimensions would be 22.5" x 11.7" x 16.3" (L x W x H) and weighs 32.56 lbs.
I'm not entirely sure what you are asking but the box dimensions would be 22.5" x 11.7" x 16.3" (L x W x H) and weighs 32.56 lbs.
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- Tyler C Staff on May 28, 2019
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Some reviewers tout the "tube-like" sound especially in the midrange when using this amp. Would you get the same sound character from the "pre outs" as well? I would primarily use this for my powered speakers and perhaps later acquire headphones as well.
A shopper
on Feb 19, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Yes, tube circuits are in-line before all outputs.
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- Dave L Staff on Feb 19, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Yes, tube circuits are in-line before all outputs.
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- Dave L Staff on Feb 19, 2019
To correct Dave'L's comment, this model has no tubes. I was just talking about some reviewers saying that this unit has "tube like tendencies". Especially in the midrange. This claim is disputed by some so the debate continues.
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- Olaff R on Feb 20, 2019
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My unit gets very warm, like a type A (but it is not). Is this normal?
A shopper
on Feb 19, 2019
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Is a DAC needed for this?
A shopper
on Mar 9, 2019
BEST ANSWER: It will amplify the signal (i.e., make louder) anything you input to it. You can input directly from your phone jack or your PC's 3.5mm aux out. You don't need a separate standalone DAC but a DAC generally will provide better sound quality than your phone or PC.
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- D J on Mar 9, 2019
- Purchased on Feb 24, 2019
BEST ANSWER: It will amplify the signal (i.e., make louder) anything you input to it. You can input directly from your phone jack or your PC's 3.5mm aux out. You don't need a separate standalone DAC but a DAC generally will provide better sound quality than your phone or PC.
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- D J on Mar 9, 2019
- Purchased on Feb 24, 2019
No it works perfectly with a source input and good headphones.
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- Daniel W on Mar 9, 2019
- Purchased on Feb 17, 2019
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I would like to run 2x75ft of these from my zone 2 (analogue audio) on a Denon receiver to a Monoprice headphone amplifier on the other side of a bedroom. Will I experience any noticeable degradation? Thanks!
Merrick M
on Apr 21, 2019
Monolith by Monoprice Liquid Spark Headphone Amplifier by Alex Cavalli
Denon AVR-X4400H 9.2 Channel Dolby Atmos & DTS:X 4K Ultra HD Network AV Receiver with HEOS
Monoprice Onix Series Digital Coaxial Audio/Video RCA Subwoofer CL2 Rated Cable, RG-6/U 75-ohm 75ft
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question.
You would not experience any signal degradation at that distance.
You would not experience any signal degradation at that distance.
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- Tyler C Staff on Sep 24, 2019
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question.
You would not experience any signal degradation at that distance.
You would not experience any signal degradation at that distance.
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- Tyler C Staff on Sep 24, 2019
RCA connected single ended cables are generally used at shorter distances. For longer distances XLR connected balanced cables are recommended because of greatly improved noise cancelling/shielding and increased signal voltage. High quality optical toslink digital cables are recommended up to around 40 feet without degradation and could by extended by using quality powered splitters as boosters to a DAC- HP amp. Or, use short optical cable to Bluetooth 5.0 Apt-X HD transmitter for HQ Bluetooth wireless transmission to a similar receiver/DAC-HP amp. Cheers!
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- New User U on Mar 3, 2020
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I need to call need contact number?
A shopper
on Feb 28, 2020
BEST ANSWER: You can find all of our contact info on this page:
https://www.monoprice.com/help?pn=contact
Thank you
https://www.monoprice.com/help?pn=contact
Thank you
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- Tyler C Staff on Feb 28, 2020
BEST ANSWER: You can find all of our contact info on this page:
https://www.monoprice.com/help?pn=contact
Thank you
https://www.monoprice.com/help?pn=contact
Thank you
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- Tyler C Staff on Feb 28, 2020
Have you tried calling the customer service number?
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- David T on Feb 28, 2020
- Purchased on Apr 25, 2019
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Could The spark run a pair of fostex t50rp?
New User U
on Apr 3, 2020
BEST ANSWER: The T50RP is rated as having a resistance of 50 ohms, and the Spark is rated to put out 1500 millivolts at 50 ohms. Yes, it can run the T50RP.
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- Darryl G on Apr 3, 2020
- Purchased on Apr 7, 2019
BEST ANSWER: The T50RP is rated as having a resistance of 50 ohms, and the Spark is rated to put out 1500 millivolts at 50 ohms. Yes, it can run the T50RP.
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- Darryl G on Apr 3, 2020
- Purchased on Apr 7, 2019
Yes. But an upgrade is definitely recommended.
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- carlo r on Apr 3, 2020
- Purchased on May 2, 2019
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will this work well with monoprice electrostatic headphone?
New User U
on May 29, 2020
BEST ANSWER: No, it will not pair with the electrostatic headphone.
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- New User U Staff on Jun 1, 2020
BEST ANSWER: No, it will not pair with the electrostatic headphone.
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- New User U Staff on Jun 1, 2020
I have the Monoprice Modern Retro earphones and they work just fine with the Liquid Spark. The sound is fantastic.
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- Thomas S on May 29, 2020
- Purchased on Nov 12, 2019
thank you. are Monoprice Modern Retro earphones electrostatic?
- Reply (1)
- New User U on May 29, 2020
I believe they are. I did a quick review of the subject on line and they seem to meet the criteria. However I confess to not being an expert in that field. So you might want to do some research on your own. Nothing in the literature that came with my phones specifically designates the drivers as electrostatic.
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WIll this adequately drive 600ohm headphones?
MB M
on Feb 13, 2021
BEST ANSWER: Based on the specs, it technically should. I would imagine that it will not be ear shaking but very decent. I have this amp but using it on 250Ohm Open Back Beyerdynamic DT990Pro and it sounds really good. Granted that it’s almost half the Ohm you have.
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- Krisen P on Feb 14, 2021
- Purchased on Mar 21, 2020
BEST ANSWER: Based on the specs, it technically should. I would imagine that it will not be ear shaking but very decent. I have this amp but using it on 250Ohm Open Back Beyerdynamic DT990Pro and it sounds really good. Granted that it’s almost half the Ohm you have.
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- Krisen P on Feb 14, 2021
- Purchased on Mar 21, 2020
I use it to drive 250 ohm Beyerdynamic 990 phones and it has plenty of volume to spare. It's a great little amp
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- Kyle W on Feb 13, 2021
- Purchased on May 22, 2020
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What is the DAC on this with Windows 10 PC ?
A shopper
on Feb 24, 2021
BEST ANSWER: Computer audio requires a minimum of a DAC and an amp. The computer sends the digital signal as input to the DAC. The DAC converts the digital signal to an analog signal and sends the analog signal to the amp.
You can use the DAC in your PC or a separate DAC. The model of DAC on your PC motherboard may vary from one model of computer to the another.
Monoprice carries multiple DAC’s including "Monolith by Monoprice Liquid Spark DAC by Alex Cavalli “ which looks like a good companion product for this amp.
You can use the DAC in your PC or a separate DAC. The model of DAC on your PC motherboard may vary from one model of computer to the another.
Monoprice carries multiple DAC’s including "Monolith by Monoprice Liquid Spark DAC by Alex Cavalli “ which looks like a good companion product for this amp.
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- D V on Feb 24, 2021
- Purchased on May 22, 2020
BEST ANSWER: Computer audio requires a minimum of a DAC and an amp. The computer sends the digital signal as input to the DAC. The DAC converts the digital signal to an analog signal and sends the analog signal to the amp.
You can use the DAC in your PC or a separate DAC. The model of DAC on your PC motherboard may vary from one model of computer to the another.
Monoprice carries multiple DAC’s including "Monolith by Monoprice Liquid Spark DAC by Alex Cavalli “ which looks like a good companion product for this amp.
You can use the DAC in your PC or a separate DAC. The model of DAC on your PC motherboard may vary from one model of computer to the another.
Monoprice carries multiple DAC’s including "Monolith by Monoprice Liquid Spark DAC by Alex Cavalli “ which looks like a good companion product for this amp.
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- D V on Feb 24, 2021
- Purchased on May 22, 2020
Liquid Spark amplifier...I have it setup with a DAC and it produces great sound. But this is an amp only.
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- Omni S on Feb 25, 2021
- Purchased on May 22, 2020
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what is the thd ?
A shopper
on Apr 9, 2018
BEST ANSWER: •1VRMS (20mW) - .007% THD at 1kHz both channels.
•5VRMS (530mW) - .035% THD at 1kHz both channels
•10VRMS (2.12W) - .065% THD at 1kHz both channels.
•5VRMS (530mW) - .035% THD at 1kHz both channels
•10VRMS (2.12W) - .065% THD at 1kHz both channels.
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- New User U Staff on Apr 12, 2018
BEST ANSWER: •1VRMS (20mW) - .007% THD at 1kHz both channels.
•5VRMS (530mW) - .035% THD at 1kHz both channels
•10VRMS (2.12W) - .065% THD at 1kHz both channels.
•5VRMS (530mW) - .035% THD at 1kHz both channels
•10VRMS (2.12W) - .065% THD at 1kHz both channels.
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- New User U Staff on Apr 12, 2018
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Does the passive output work with the amp off?
A shopper
on Apr 24, 2018
BEST ANSWER: No, they are preamp outputs not strictly a passthru.
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- New User U Staff on Apr 24, 2018
BEST ANSWER: No, they are preamp outputs not strictly a passthru.
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- New User U Staff on Apr 24, 2018
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Does the knob control the line-out? Does the line-out work with the unit off?
Paul S
on May 14, 2018
BEST ANSWER: It is a preamp out tapped from the headphone out. It only works when amp is on and is controlled by the volume pot. The preamp out is disabled when headphones are plugged into the jack.
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- New User U Staff on Oct 9, 2018
BEST ANSWER: It is a preamp out tapped from the headphone out. It only works when amp is on and is controlled by the volume pot. The preamp out is disabled when headphones are plugged into the jack.
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- New User U Staff on Oct 9, 2018
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Is specs available for Spark? Thanks
A shopper
on May 28, 2018
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Rated 4 out of 5
Recommend Liquid Platinum
It drives my iems and headphones perfectly, especially my 250ohm beyerdynamics, but just as great sounding on my hifiman sundaras. Overall very satisfied and can recommend to anyone wanting audiophile listening at a budget price.
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Rated 5 out of 5
Well worth the $$ in my opinion.
My MSI B450 Tomohawk max motherboard put out quality sound, but I was not satisfied with the max volume level. I wanted more, and this does the trick perfectly. Great product.
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Rated 5 out of 5
What actually matters
First thing I want to mention is that I believe headphone amplifiers are 99% snake oil. I own an hd600 and dt1990 both of which many people believe require/benefit from amplification which is false, they sound the same out of any average source as they do fancy amps. So why did I buy the liquid spark? Surprisingly the options for a good-looking audio knob are slim and word on the street is that this amp both looks and feels pretty good for the price. I think $109 is steep for a metal box with volume knob, but the aesthetics, chassis, and knob feel all beat everything else this cheap. The schiit magni, fiio k5 pro, and o2 all lose in these categories imo. The k5 chassis is very good, but the others just get trashed by the LS. The k5 has a larger knob but it has a bit of a stuck-in-jello feel while the liquid spark knob is very smooth and feels especially good to operate with a fingertip. The other budget amp knobs are all garbage in comparison. These glorified volume knobs should at least do that well, and the LS does.
Things no one mentions:
1. Yes, the LS is usable with sensitive gear. You can be very accurate with the knob
2. The finish on the front and back is lighter than the rest. It’s not an angle thing.
3. The knob will be slightly noticeably warm but it’s pleasant if anything.
4. Don’t be alarmed when you pick it up out of the box and it feels too light and cheap. All budget amps feel like that and are much better when they are on a desk. The LS is heavy enough to stay put with some cable movement.
5. The LED is super dim. Love it.
6. The texture has a great soft feel. It’s between a glossy and matte finish and barely shows fingerprints. The buttons and knob have the same nice textured finish.
Things no one mentions:
1. Yes, the LS is usable with sensitive gear. You can be very accurate with the knob
2. The finish on the front and back is lighter than the rest. It’s not an angle thing.
3. The knob will be slightly noticeably warm but it’s pleasant if anything.
4. Don’t be alarmed when you pick it up out of the box and it feels too light and cheap. All budget amps feel like that and are much better when they are on a desk. The LS is heavy enough to stay put with some cable movement.
5. The LED is super dim. Love it.
6. The texture has a great soft feel. It’s between a glossy and matte finish and barely shows fingerprints. The buttons and knob have the same nice textured finish.
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Rated 5 out of 5
Good value
Great little amp. I have been using it to drive the HD6XX, my daily driver.
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Rated 4 out of 5
Louder Please!
Very good small amp but it doesn't make a big enough difference in most cases. My ear buds are my least 'loud' sound source and they become better with the 6X setting and volume knob all the way, but still not loud enough to really make my ears go pointed. My Roland headphones are helped but not enough. Guess I need better ear buds or a bigger amp.
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Rated 5 out of 5
Fine entry-level headphone amplifier
Great-sounding discrete headphone amplifier. Highly recommended if you are looking for a budget amplifier for high-impedance headphones like HD650, HD600, DT1770, and so forth in order to avoid the smeared transients and muddy bass resulting from low-voltage headphone amplifiers (this applies only to high-impedance cans). I picked this up out of boredom just because it looks cool and gets rave and a friend was interested in it a while back, it sure doesn't touch my audio-gd C-2C in the slightest, but it is certainly going to be better for high-impedance cans than your typical cheap amplifier. Gotta love discrete sound. May not have the cleanest sound versus the competition near its price, but there's something quite "right" about its sound, and the depth is good. It does get kind of warm to the touch after a while of running, make sure to place it in a well-ventilated area. The built-in protection relays cause a small delay in sound output when the amp is starting up after just being turned on, this is pretty normal and a very welcome design detail.
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Rated 5 out of 5
Killer Spark
Wow!!! I don’t believe this amp. It even sounds better than my CTH (Cavalli Tube Hybrid which runs $250. The Spark was only $80 on special.
Super pleased when I use it with the HiFi
Man HE4xx. Great synergy!
Only one question: on some songs I need full volume. Gain switch in or out. Is that normal to need full volume knob?
Thanks Monoprice!!!
Super pleased when I use it with the HiFi
Man HE4xx. Great synergy!
Only one question: on some songs I need full volume. Gain switch in or out. Is that normal to need full volume knob?
Thanks Monoprice!!!
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Rated 5 out of 5
Nice little headphone amp.
I’ve had this Liquid Spark for a while now, and really don’t have anything bad to say about it. It sounds as good as you could possibly expect for a $100 range amp.
I took it out of the chassis one time to look at what kind of volume pot it has in it. The pot has a really good feel to it, for a mini. I don’t quite remember what it was now, maybe a Sanni, wasn’t an Alps mini. But, while I had it apart, I was quite amazed at the overall build quality. Very nice. Really nice all metal chassis too. The pcb is suspended in grooves on both inner walls of the cabinet.
So, great build quality, nice working switches and controls, two gain settings and really decent sound. What more could you ask for? Unless you got double to triple the money to spend, look no further.
I took it out of the chassis one time to look at what kind of volume pot it has in it. The pot has a really good feel to it, for a mini. I don’t quite remember what it was now, maybe a Sanni, wasn’t an Alps mini. But, while I had it apart, I was quite amazed at the overall build quality. Very nice. Really nice all metal chassis too. The pcb is suspended in grooves on both inner walls of the cabinet.
So, great build quality, nice working switches and controls, two gain settings and really decent sound. What more could you ask for? Unless you got double to triple the money to spend, look no further.
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Rated 5 out of 5
Great bargain!
provides fantastic sound reproduction
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Rated 5 out of 5
$69 for garbage, or a little more for this.. Epic for the price!
I was using a Fiio A3 amp at my workstation but decided to get a dedicated desktop amp. I've been focused on Chi-Fi for a couple years now. Exceptional packaging, well worth the price, exact features I need, fit & finish, sound quality, design, and a HIGH QUALITY power supply, this desktop amp is killer. Do not hesitate on this for the money.
Added May 28, 2020
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